Driver of Anlo Traditional Council Vehicle Busted For Smuggling Cocoa

The Police, have arrested a driver for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cocoa beans to neighboring Togo.

Abraham Senyaglo, a 35-year-old native of Keta, in the Volta Region, was apprehended on Saturday night, while driving a Toyota Hiace Van, belonging to the Anlo Traditional Council.

The vehicle was packed with 26 bags of cocoa beans, cleverly concealed in fertilizer sacks to avoid detection.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded when Senyaglo failed to stop at a police checkpoint on the Adomi-Atimpoku stretch around 2200 hours.

His refusal to comply, triggered a high-speed chase that culminated in his arrest near the Adomi Bridge in the Eastern Region.

During initial questioning, Senyaglo claimed ignorance about the illegal nature of the cargo. He stated that he had been sent to the Manhyia Palace to deliver items for the Asantehene’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations and was asked by a friend to transport the cocoa beans on his return journey from Suhum to Dzodze.

However, the police disputed Senyaglo’s account, alleging that he was fully aware of the illegal nature of the cargo.

The suspect and the seized goods are currently in the custody of the Sogakope Police, pending further investigations and prosecution, according to a report by the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce, which has been diligently working to disrupt the illegal cocoa supply chain. The taskforce’s dedication and hard work are evident in this recent bust.

The Anlo Traditional Council, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the police are actively tracing the origin of the cocoa beans and working to identify other individuals involved in the smuggling ring.

Source: Anchorghana.com